Gaza again gives our govt something to announce – this time, it is calling for a humanitarian pause
Gaza is the focus of the first statement posted on the government’s official website since October 17, when the focus was … Gaza.
The outgoing PM, Chris Hipkins, eight days ago announced the New Zealand government was providing $5 million in humanitarian support in response to appeals to address urgent humanitarian needs in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
That decision was made after consultation with the incoming Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon.
Today Hipkins has been joined by Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta to advise that New Zealand has joined other countries in calling for a humanitarian pause in Gaza and the immediate establishment of humanitarian corridors and safe areas to protect innocent civilians living in the Gaza strip.
That decision was made after consultation with the incoming Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon.
Today Hipkins has been joined by Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta to advise that New Zealand has joined other countries in calling for a humanitarian pause in Gaza and the immediate establishment of humanitarian corridors and safe areas to protect innocent civilians living in the Gaza strip.
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25 OCTOBER 2023
New Zealand calls for humanitarian pause in GazaIn a statement to United Nations Security Council New Zealand calls for a humanitarian pause in Gaza
Earlier in the day, interviewed on RNZ’s Morning Report, Christopher Luxon said the Hipkins government was doing a good job of keeping him up with the play on the situation in Gaza.
He said:
“I think it’s important the government is the government until the new government’s formed, they’re taking the lead of New Zealand’s response to the situation.
“They’re doing a good job of keeping us closely involved and informed and also consulted during that transition period but the bottom line is that we condemn Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel and we support Israel’s rights to defend itself. We do want to see both sides acting in full compliance with international law and their obligations.”
Asked if it was important New Zealand used its voice on the international stage, Luxon said he understood there would be an opportunity to do that at the UN and there would be a statement made at that time.
“But right now the priority is the protection of civilians and humanitarian assistance and making sure those corridors are opened up to be able to get relief to people but as I said, our position’s pretty clear and united…”
Hipkins and Mahuta a few hours later issued a press statement to emphasise:
- In a statement to United Nations Security Council New Zealand calls for a humanitarian pause in Gaza
- Establishment of humanitarian corridors for water, food, fuel, medicines and other basics of life
- Establishment of designated safe areas that are strictly off limits as targets
“The provision of essential support to innocent civilians living in Gaza, such as food, water, fuel, and shelter, as well as the facilitation of humanitarian aid is an obligation under the Fourth Geneva Convention that must be upheld immediately.
“We call on all parties to the conflict to commit to a humanitarian pause and for Israel and Egypt to use a cessation of hostilities to rapidly facilitate unimpeded humanitarian assistance to civilians living in Gaza.
“The volume of aid arriving in Gaza must significantly increase above recent levels to ensure the basics of life can be maintained to the millions living in Gaza who have nowhere to go.
“Humanitarian corridors must be established in order for sufficient aid to regularly flow into Gaza, and safe areas must be put in place that are free from military targeting to provide a refuge for innocent civilians who have nowhere to go.”
Hipkins also said the government is appalled by Hamas’s brutality, their targeting of civilians, and the taking of hostages, which are in clear violations of international law.
“We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” Chris Hipkins said.
Nanaia Mahuta said:
“It’s intolerable to see civilians continue to suffer disproportionately as innocent victims of this conflict.
“New Zealand supports the right of Israel to defend itself against Hamas’s terrorist attacks, but the way it does so matters. It must abide by international law, exercise restraint, and prioritise the protection of civilians.
“Ultimately there is no military solution that will bring about a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.
“We call on all parties and the international community to take urgent action to restart the Middle East Peace Process as the best way to ensure enduring peace and security for all those who live in Israel and Palestine,” Nanaia Mahuta said.
Point of Order is a blog focused on politics and the economy run by veteran newspaper reporters Bob Edlin and Ian Templeton
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